Over 400 students learn about wildlife on World Pangolin Day

Over 400 students gathered at Hanoi Forestry University on Sat 18 February, World Pangolin Day to learn more about pangolins, the most traded mammal in the world.

Students from the University’s Student Association attended a workshop held by us and the school. They learnt how Vietnamese and Chinese consumption of pangolin meat and their scales which are inaccurately believed to have medical benefits are driving this shy nocturnal animal to extinction. They also learnt about pangolin ecology and the threats to pangolin habitats which are shrinking due to development. The students were given advice on choosing conservation as a career: what to learn and what to prepare before graduation.

Students were also treated to a photographic exhibition ‘Pangolin Conservation: Dark and Light’ which showcased the work of leading international wildlife photographers such as Suzi Eszterhaus and photos taken by our staff that showed both the hopeful and the grim side of our rescue work with pangolins.

Our founder, Thai Van Nguyen said, ‘It’s wonderful to see so many young people take an interest in our wildlife. Vietnam has already lost so many precious species, but we can save the pangolin if we act now”.

Mr Nguyen Duy Vuong, chairman of the Student Association of Vietnam National University of Forestry said it was an honour to collaborate with Save Vietnam’s Wildlife on World Pangolin Day, “Such events help to foster enthusiasm for Vietnamese conservation and offered real insight to those considering a career in protecting Vietnam’s wildlife”.

A student who involved the event said “I didn’t know much about pangolins before today, but I feel so inspired. Our animals and our land are so special, I want to do more to help before it is too late”.